CHW191-Electrical Safety and Maintenance Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Electrical Safety and Maintenance Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe use, installation, inspection, and maintenance of all electrical systems and equipment at {{org_field_name}}, in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), and the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016. This policy provides staff and contractors with clear guidance on how to manage electrical safety effectively, protect residents and staff from harm, and maintain continuous compliance with CIW requirements.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and maintenance personnel who use or work on electrical installations and equipment at {{org_field_name}}. It covers the fixed electrical systems, portable electrical appliances (PAT), lighting, emergency power sources, and specialist care equipment that requires electricity. It applies to all areas of the home including resident rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, plant rooms, communal areas, and offices.
3. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CHW19 – Emergency and Business Continuity Plan
CHW20 – Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures
CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses Policy
4. Policy Statement and Implementation
A. Legal Responsibilities and Duty of Care
{{org_field_name}} is committed to meeting its legal obligations in relation to electrical safety. The Registered Manager holds overall responsibility for ensuring systems are in place to prevent electrical risks. A nominated competent person oversees all electrical safety arrangements, inspections, repairs, and contractor liaison. All electrical work must be carried out by qualified electricians who are NICEIC or ECA registered and fully insured. No unqualified staff member is permitted to carry out electrical installations, repairs, or testing.
B. Fixed Electrical Installation Inspections (EICR)
All fixed electrical installations are subject to a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every five years or more frequently if required by legislation or advised by a competent electrician. The inspection is carried out by an approved contractor and includes testing of sockets, lighting, circuit boards, earth bonding, and overall system integrity. Any ‘unsatisfactory’ findings are addressed immediately with remedial work scheduled and documented. The EICR is kept in the Health and Safety File and is made available during CIW inspections.
C. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
All portable electrical appliances used at {{org_field_name}} are subject to regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). Items include but are not limited to kettles, toasters, hairdryers, hoists, laptops, televisions, and medical devices. Testing intervals are based on equipment type, usage, and location. High-risk equipment is tested at least annually. Each tested item is labelled with a date of test and next due date. The PAT Register is maintained and reviewed regularly by the maintenance team. Faulty appliances are removed from use immediately and either repaired or disposed of safely.
D. Daily Visual Checks and Staff Responsibility
All staff have a responsibility to report electrical hazards immediately. Staff are trained to carry out visual checks before using electrical equipment. These checks include ensuring cables are not frayed, plugs are intact, there are no burn marks, the device is clean and dry, and the item operates as expected. Any faults are reported to the senior person on duty and recorded in the Maintenance Log. Equipment showing signs of damage is taken out of service, labelled clearly, and stored safely until inspected.
E. New Equipment Safety and Registration
Any new electrical equipment brought into the home—whether purchased by the organisation or introduced by residents or families—must be safety checked before use. Staff must report the introduction of new electrical items to the Registered Manager or maintenance team for inspection and, where applicable, PAT testing. All new installations are registered, recorded, and entered into the equipment maintenance schedule. Staff are not permitted to use their own electrical equipment in the workplace unless authorised and safety-checked.
F. Maintenance and Repairs
Routine maintenance of electrical systems and equipment is carried out according to manufacturers’ guidelines and legislative standards. A planned preventative maintenance schedule is maintained for all essential systems including emergency lighting, nurse call systems, fire alarms, and powered care equipment. All repairs are carried out by approved contractors. Work is logged in the Maintenance Record and reviewed regularly for audit and compliance purposes. Equipment under warranty is returned to the manufacturer where appropriate. Emergency faults are prioritised and rectified immediately to reduce risk.
G. Emergency Procedures and Power Outages
In the event of an electrical fault, power failure, or hazard, the affected area is made safe, warning signage is displayed, and emergency backup systems are activated. Staff follow the Emergency Plan (CHW19) to maintain continuity of essential care. This includes use of battery-powered lighting, manual handling procedures, and communication protocols. Any serious electrical incident is reported to the Registered Manager and, where necessary, CIW, the local authority, or HSE under RIDDOR. Fire risk due to electrical faults is addressed in accordance with CHW20 – Fire Safety Policy.
H. Resident and Visitor Safety
Residents and visitors are protected from electrical risks through effective environment design, staff vigilance, and secure storage of electrical appliances. Electrical outlets in resident-accessible areas are fitted with safety features, and extension leads are avoided wherever possible. Residents who wish to bring personal electrical items (e.g., radios, fans) must have them approved and tested prior to use. Information is provided in the Resident Welcome Pack to support this process.
I. Staff Training and Competency
Staff receive training during induction and refresher sessions on basic electrical safety awareness, hazard identification, and the process for reporting faults. Maintenance and management staff receive enhanced training relevant to their responsibilities. Contractors are required to provide evidence of competency, insurance, and health and safety compliance prior to starting work. Safe systems of work, including risk assessments and method statements, must be in place for all electrical tasks.
J. Record Keeping and Monitoring
The Registered Manager ensures accurate records are maintained for all electrical systems and equipment. This includes:
- EICR and PAT certificates
- Maintenance and repair logs
- Equipment inventory
- Contractor credentials
- Staff training records
- Incident reports related to electrical safety
Regular audits are carried out to ensure compliance and to identify areas for improvement. Outcomes are shared in staff meetings and included in the quality assurance cycle.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or earlier if there is a change in legislation, CIW requirements, or following a significant electrical incident. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring the policy is implemented effectively and that all staff understand and adhere to the procedures outlined.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.